The current total population of Chile is 16,284,741 (Country Reports “Statistics”) and Santiago is their capital city of about 6,500,000 people.The total area of Chile is 756,960 square miles (Country Reports “Geography”).Of their population, 89% of Chilean people are Roman Catholic, while the other 11% are Protestant or another Christian denomination (Country Reports “Religion”). Their natural resources include: copper, tin, iron ore, nitrate, various precious metals, molybdenum, and hydropower.Chile’s main agricultural products are grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool, fish, and timber.Their main industries include: copper, minerals, fish processing, food, iron and steel, wood, transport equipment, cement, and textiles.
Geography: Although Chile stretches only 250 miles an its widest point, its length would stretch from Maine to California (Country Reports “Geography”).Bordering Chile in the West is the Pacific Ocean and in the East, the daunting Andes Mountains.The peaks of the Andes Mountains can reach up to 22,000 feet.The mountains greatly contribute to the geographical features of Chile’s territory.Chile’s geography and climate is divided into four drastically different regions.To the North is the dry desserts, Central Chile is the fertile land, the South is forests and lakes, and the far South is the Archipelagoes, fjords, and channels (Country Reports “Geography”).The “Norte Grande” in Northern Chile is one of the earth’s driest, most barren areas.Although it seems like wasted space, the Norte Grande contains rich copper and mineral deposits.The Archipelagoes and fjords are a mix of lakes, hot springs, and snowy mountains while the far south is home to the dry steppes and sheep herding.Because of the far range of climates and terrain, most Chilean people live in the central valley region.The Central Valley begins at the Head of the Aconcagua River and ends at the Bio-Bio River (Country Reports “Geography”).In Chile’s territory includes several pacific islands including Easter Island, 2300 miles west of Chile.The Central Valley’s fertile land and their mild climate allow for the growth of many agricultural products. During Chile’s summer months (December to March), the temperature remains in the high 80’s low 90’s.In the winters (June to September), the temperature drops 50’s and 60’s and is cold and foggy.Chile receives an average rainfall of 100 inches, however in the drier areas, they only receive 20 inches (Country Reports “Climate and Weather”).Because of Chile’s location, natural landforms, and weather there are several different natural hazards that can occur.Chile is usually on the watch for severe earthquakes, active volcanoes, and tsunamis. Government and Economy: Chile’s full name is the Republic of Chile.The president of their country is both their head of state and head of government (Country Reports “Government”).Michelle Bachelet Jeriahas been president of Chile since March 11, 2006.For their administrative division, they consist of thirteen regions.Their national congress, which is their senate consists of 38 seats chosen by popular vote.In their judicial branch, the head of the Supreme court is elected every three years.Chile is active in many international organizations, some including: Interpol, UN, ICC, WCO, PCA, and over thirty more (Country Reports “Government”)Their diplomatic representative in the US is Andres Bianchi Chancery and the diplomatic representative from the US is Craig A. Kelly. Chile is the world’s leading exporter of grapes and plums and the second for avocados (Country Reports “Economy”).Chile exports $66, 430,000,000 (USD) in copper, fish, fruits, paper/pulp, chemicals, and wine.Although this seems like an astronomical amount of money, it is actually quite small in comparison to Germany who exports 1,161,000 million dollars worth of products.Their top export partners are: US (19.1%), Japan (10.5%), China (6.7%), Mexico (5%), Italy (4.7%), and the UK (4.4 %) (Country Reports “Exports”).Chile imports a total of 44,180 million which consists of consumer goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, fuels, electrical machinery, industrial machinery and food.Their import partners include, Argentina, the US, Brazil, China, and Germany (Country Reports “Imports"). The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso.One US dollar is equal to 454.75 pesos (Country Reports “Currency”).The pesos come in two different forms, coins or bank notes.Although the coins are much rarer, the denominations are 1,5, 10, 50, and 100.In bank notes the denominations are 500, 1000, and 10,000.Because the one peso, is such a small amount of money, there is no need for decimal signs.
Entertainment:
Sports, Hobbies, and Past Times: The people of Chile have many forms of entertainment.The most popular sport in Chile is "fútbol", or more commonly known as soccer in the United States. Some go as far as to say soccer is Chile’s national sport. The major events involving soccer usually attract around 80,000 people to the Santiago National Stadium (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).Everyone has their favorite teams but the most popular in Chile are the Colo Colo, Universidad Católica, and Universidad de Chile (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
Another famous Chilean game is, Rayuela.This game is popular among all citizens but more so the men. This sport involves throwing heavy metal disks called, tejos (Chile – Sport and Recreation, Kids Games).The object of the game is to throw the tejos toward a string stretched across a damp ground and try to have the tejo land on the string.In order for little children to play, the game is adapted so the children toss coins instead of the heavy, metal tejos (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
A traditional Indian game, Chueca, is also popular among Chileans.Chueca means “curved stick” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).The set up of the game is a hole to mark the middle of the field and two goal lines are drawn on either side of the field.To begin the game, everyone starts at the hole.Then, using the curved stick, the object is to knock a rubber ball into the hole.The first person to succeed then attempts to drag the ball across the opposing team’s goal line in order to score a point (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).Chueca was invented by the Indians, native to Chile, long before the Spanish arrived. There are other ways to occupy one’s time in Chile other than soccer.Many Chileans enjoy flying kites.This tradition began in the 18th century when the Catholic monks began to fly kites (Chile - Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). In modern times, flying kites has become a favorite past time for most Chileans.Every weekend, families spend the days in the parks flying hand-made kites. Kites have even been recognized in Chilean literature as a national treasure (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). A common past time is to attend the Chilean rodeo, La Fiesta Huasa.The rodeo competitions usually take place in arenas called “media lunas” (half moons) where traveling rodeo teams meet. The attire of the Huasos, or Chilean cowboys, is very vibrant. They usually dress in “colorful ponchos, fringed leggings, flat-topped hats, high-heeled boots and large spurs” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).The object of the event is for “a two-man team to control a steer by making it stop in a certain place without using a lasso” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). Chileans are quite active as most of them are involved in some sort or team or club.Some other sports that people take part in are: tennis, fishing, golf, polo, volleyball, rugby, basketball, skiing, water-skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
The Arts:
Art:
"The Earth is Man" by Robert Matta Enchaurren
National and international praise has been offered to the Chile’s art.The art of Chile contains a “unique blend of the traditional and contemporary artwork” (Chile Art).With the contributing factor of Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral, two Chilean poets, winning the Nobel Prize in poetry (Chile Art), poetry has become an important part of the country’s art.Fiction is also a popular read with noteworthy authors such as, Manuel Rojas and Isabel Allende writing beautiful works of art to entertain. Performing arts has also become an essential part of the country’s urban scenario.Contemporary art or Chile is represented in a quite diverse and spontaneous way with famous sculptors such as “Robert Matta Echaurren… who had earned wide recognition” (Chile Art).Painting is also another great accomplishment in the arts. “During dictatorial reign Chile art market flourished at a great pace” (Chile Art).Today, there are many new art galleries attracting people from all over the world to view and purchase the unique and exquisite contemporary art.Art act as a “mirrorthat is preserving the cultural memory of the country” (Chile Art).
Theater and Film: Chilean theater has vast array of genres that suits any taste with the rich tradition and historical performances.There are many theaters that are not only historical and legendary but also allow people from all over the world the chance to view historical and legendary performances. Teatro Nacional, Teatro Municipal, Universidad Católica, Matucana 100 Cultural Factory, San Ginés and Galpón 7 are only some of the most famous theaters in Chile (Chile Theater).Chilean theater also offers live concerts of bands, opera, folk, jazz, and classical shows to anyone who wishes to attend.During the regime of the totalitarian government, Chilean theater suffered a setback.Theaters were shut down by the government and the artistic life was ceased by force (Chile Theater).Once the Democratic government was restored, theater made a come-back.The industry boomed with new theaters and groups rising to popularity.New genres and experimental works began to thrive in the new artistic world (Chile Theater).For theater fanatics, the summer is the best time to visit Chile.During this time, come of the greatest performances can be enjoyed in the theater festivals. The Chilean film industry is also rapidly developing.Chile has always had great potential to produce films that captivate the world and are recently breaking into the greatness.With the help of the government and the Art and Audiovisual Industry Council (AAIC), the film industry is thriving with plenty of financial aid and success.Currently, the Chile is producing more then twelve feature films a year.The AAIC is proud of this accomplishment but has also set the goal of more then fourteen feature films produced a year (Chile Film). “Chile has been selected in the second publication of the Cannes Film Festival's World Cinema section” (Chile Film).Mi Mejor Enemigo, Parentesis, and El Bano are three highly acclaimed films produced in Chile.The film, Julio comienza en Julio, was selected as the best Chilean film of the century.Few Chilean documentary films have won recognition but more films are being focused on social and political issues.With such a change, “the Chilean audience has also become open to new ideas and hence they have accepted the movies produced for the new generation” (Chile Film).Now, Chilean films are being viewed and appreciated worldwide. Like any other country, many famous actors have come from Chile.Jorge García, from the popular TV show Lost on the CW was born in Nebraska to a Chilean father and Cuban mother.He is now a famous Latin-American comedin and actor (Jorge García).Other famous actors from Chile are: Horatio Sanz (SNL), Leonor Varela (Blade II, Cleopatra), Santiago Cabrera (Heros), and Cote de Pablo (NCIS) (List of Chileans).
Music: It wasn’t until the 1960’s when Chilean music, particularly folk music became internationally acclaimed.This came about because Violeta Parra, and Argentinean singer, and her children, Angel and Isabel, “made their names as politically committed singers and songwriters” (Music).During the 1970’s other folk groups such as Quilapayún and Inti Illimani, toured around the world regularly before returning to Chile in the 1990’s.Today Inti Illimani, Illapu, and Congreso are three famous groups who have combined folk traditions with a contemporary sound unique to those bands (Music).Jose Vasconcelos, another famous artist, is known for his connection to Chile’s past traditions.There are even more contemporary sound with the rock groups, Los Tres, La Ley, and Los Tetas.The band Los Tres has recently debuted in a live MTV concert. During the time of political struggle, nueva canción, or “new song movement” emerged from Argentina and especially in Chile.The roots of this “new song movement” are connected to artists like Violet Parra.Nueva canción became associated with “political activism and reformers likeChilean socialist Salvador Allende and his Popular Unity government” (Chile).
Food and Cuisine Customs
Food Customs:
Eating in Chile is just as social as nutritional. Lingering lunches and afternoon teas with friends are almsot mandatory. Dinners are for families to spend good quality time together, so the perfect time to eat in a lively restuarant, is lunchtime. Table manners are pretty much the same as those in Europe and North America. "Chileans always leave at least a 10% tip which is expected. Also, before they start to eat, they always say bon appetit and when they drink, they say good health" (Chile and Easter Island).
Chilean Wine
There are many common festivals and traditions, such as births, weddings, funerals, etc., where food is served grandly. Every festival involving artand music have a wide variety of chile's cuisine is served to their guests. In Chile, the wedding ceremonies are AMAZING! The cuisine is very traditional, but still has a few unique dishes. When a child is born, all the family members get together and serve their guests traditional and authenticl food. During Independence Day (September 18), the Chileans eat a variety of authentic food. Chileans normally eat empanadas as a snack or the first course of a large meal. The classic second dish is pastel de choclo (white corn and beef casserole topped with sugar). "Another popular meal on Independence Day are large parrilladas (barbecues) that are all across the country. Wine and pisco (grape brandy) are also important at the celebrations. Eating traditional and authentic food is custom at celebrations, but they're also enjoyed greatly by the Chileans" (Countryreports.com). "Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the Piestas Patrias are some of the largest celebrations. In northern Chile, carnival celebrations fill stomachs juust before the fasting of Lent. On New Year's Eve, some Chileans eat a spoonful of lentils (flat seeds) for good luck" (Chile) Typical Meals and Meal Times:
"In Chile, breakfast is most often between 7 and 9 a.m. The normal breakfast consists of toast and instant coffee or tea, never cereal. Lunch is usually served between 1-130 p.m. and goes on till about 3 p.m. It’s the largest meal of the day and has many different courses. The first course is usually soup or empanadas, with a main course of seafood, a meat stew, or chicken. Vegetables and or potatoes are normally a side dish and ice cream and fruit are for dessert. Between 5 or 6 p.m., Chileans have tea-time like the Europeans. Chileans talk freely with each other at tables and are very polite to each other; the hostess is always complimented on the meal they have" (Chile). Manners are very important during tea-time also. There are rules like keeping both hands above the table at all times and never asking for seconds even if they are offered. Chileans eat dinner very late; during the week, dinner is served between 8 and 9 pm and on weekends after 9 pm. "On special occasions, such as dinner parties, the meal is often served later than 9 p.m., almost at 10 p.m. Like tea-time, there are more manners that the Chileans must respect. One important rule is to stay for conversation after eating, and never leaving directly after eating dinner" (Chile and Easter Island). Popular Foods and Drinks:
Chileans eat seafood rather than meat because of the location of Chile, which is close to the sea, and the lack of land for cattle. Fresh fish is not expensive so they eat it almost daily. The Humboldt Current provides Chile with some of the world's strangest and greatest fish. Chilean cuisine has large Indian and European influences. Porotos Granados, the national dish, has corn, squash, and beans that show the Indian influence along with the Spanish contributions like the onion and garlic. Other popular foods have a lot in common iwht South American or Mexican dishes. But with any dish, the Chileans drink excellent wine that's grown in their own vineyards in the Central Valley.
"Some Chilean favorites are locos (abalone), machas (razor clams), erizos (sea urchins), cholgas (mussles), langostinos (rock lobsters), cama
Empanada
rones (shrimp) and congrio (conger eel), which is a gourmet treat in Chile" (Electric Library). Some popular foods that the Chileans enjoy are porotos granados, which is a vegetarian stew made of Indian corn, squash, beans, and Spanish garlic and onions. The porotos or cranberry beans, the main ingredient, are grown in the central region almsot all year. Another populare food is the empanada, a simple pastry stuffed with cheese, seafood, or meal and small amounts of raisins, chilies, olives, spices, egg, and onion. Chileans eat them as a snack or as the first course of a large meal. At celebrations and rodeos, heaps of empanadas are served.
Important/Famous Restaurants:
There are many different options for eating out in Chile, but a lot of the real treats are located in Bellavista, Lastarria, and Providencia. "In Lastarria, the "asi-asi" restaurants are Emporio La Rosa, Pergola de la Plaza, and Les Assassins. Emporio La Rosa is a small cafe which has great bread, olive oils, pastries, and delicious coffee. Pergola de la Plaza is more of a seafood and meat place with a beautifu patio perfect for watching a sunset. Le Assassins is more of an intimate, French restaurant that has fair-priced meals. A top end restaurant in Lastarria is Don Victorino, a very hip and modern restaurant that's filled with vivid artwork and has culinary specialities from all over South America. "Asi-asi" restaurants in Providencia include El Huerto, a vegetarian cafe, and La Pizza Nostra, a small pizzeria. Top notch restuarants include Astrid y Gaston and El Giratorio; both are adored by people for their interesting cuisine and special plating" (Chile and Easter Island). A famous seafood restaurant in Santiago, Chile, is Aqui Esta Coco which is always filled with tourists and celebrities from all around the world. Other restaurants include Ariki O Te Pana, which specalizes in shellfish and fish, oriental and naturist food, and meat. Restaurant Kona Koa is famous for showing the European influence, especially French, in their cuisine. "Taha Tai is more of a Japanese cuisine, which is very rare in Chile, and so it's very famous for it. Almost all restaurants include fish and international cooking" (Wikipedia.com).
History:
Spanish Conquerings and Important Events
Chile is a country that has been through various Spanish conquerings and fights for independence, which has left them with a very rich and powerful history. Before the age of exploration, Chile was inhabited by many different Indian societies, who pretty much kept to themselves. The largest Indian society was the Mapuche society which had nearly one million members (Monteneon). No one really knew about Chile, until 1520, when Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, became the first European to sight Chile. Although Magellan is said to have “discovered” Chile, he never actually stopped in the country. He glanced at the shoreline as he passed by because he was on a desperate expedition to find the Spice Islands. Even though Magellan didn’t witness Chile’s amazing culture and landscape, he did inform the Spanish monarchy of what he had seen of it. Magellan’s interest in Chile led to later explorations (Perrotlet 32).
The Native Chilean people
Nearly twenty years later, a new explorer, Pedro de Valdivia, showed his interest in exploring South America, and asked the Spanish King to grant him permission to set up an expedition. In 1540, Valdivia set sail to South America and landed in Peru, where Spain already had a large settlement that was called the viceroyalty (Chile later became a part of the viceroyalty). After gathering an army and supplies, Valdivia set off to find the land that Magellan had once described. On February 12, 1541Valdivia founded central Chile, which he named Santiago, and immediately fell in love with the breathtaking scenery (Winter 19). He quickly established a settlement, in which he forced the native Indians to work as slaves for the Spanish. Valdivia also helped the Roman Catholic Church send missionaries to Chile to convert the Indians to Christianity. The native people did not appreciate the Spanish conquistadors coming into their home land and destroying everything that they had built. The conquistadors treated the natives very badly, and this built up rage ultimately led to the Indian revolts. One tribe in particular, had a major problem with the Spanish, and they became the leaders of the revolts. Just six months after Pedro de Valdivia had founded Santiago; the Mapuche tribe destroyed the entire city, but failed to kill their true target, Valdivia (Perrotlet 30). The Spaniards quickly rebuilt Santiago, however the Mapuches would not go down without a fight. In 1553, the Mapuche tribe led another revolt that resulted in the killing of Pedro de Valdivia and many of his soldiers. After Valvidia died, three of his soldiers, who happened to be rivals, fought to succeed his rule as governor. Unfortunately for them, the settlement in Peru had a different idea, and sent some of their own men to govern Chile. Peru had sent Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza in 1557 to reestablish Chile, and take over as govern (Winter 22). During his rule, Hurtado founded two new cities which he named Osorno and Canete, after his parents. Hurtado ruled until 1561 and he ended the period of conquest. For about the next three hundred years, Chile fought wars with Spain, France, and England but was never able to gain their independence. After what seemed like a lifetime of pointless battles, on August 20, 1820, Chile defeated the Spanish and finally gained their independence (Winter 21).Once the Chileans had gained independence, they had to replace two and a half centuries of rule with a new form of government. The Chileans went through eleven changes of government over the next 13 years. During the 1800’s Chile only fought civil wars within their own country, but were luckily not harmed by any Europeans (Monteon). Once the 1900’s came, the Chilean government started to get a little uneasy. They didn’t have a strong government, so a dictatorship occurred in 1927 and lasted until 1931(Monteon). The Chilean government overthrew the dictatorship and brought Chile back to a democracy. About forty years later, in 1973, military leaders overthrew the civilian government and set up their own dictatorship (Perrotlet 33). After a grueling seventeen years, Chile was about to stabilize their government and formed back in to a democracy. For the past eighteen years, the Chilean government has ruled in a very fair and proud way. Bibliography
Chile
by Ericka K., Kelsey H., Marrena M.,and Leslee W.
General Information:
The current total population of Chile is 16,284,741 (Country Reports “Statistics”) and Santiago is their capital city of about 6,500,000 people. The total area of Chile is 756,960 square miles (Country Reports “Geography”). Of their population, 89% of Chilean people are Roman Catholic, while the other 11% are Protestant or another Christian denomination (Country Reports “Religion”). Their natural resources include: copper, tin, iron ore, nitrate, various precious metals, molybdenum, and hydropower. Chile’s main agricultural products are grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool, fish, and timber. Their main industries include: copper, minerals, fish processing, food, iron and steel, wood, transport equipment, cement, and textiles.
Geography:
Although Chile stretches only 250 miles an its widest point, its length would stretch from Maine to California (Country Reports “Geography”). Bordering Chile in the West is the Pacific Ocean and in the East, the daunting Andes Mountains. The peaks of the Andes Mountains can reach up to 22,000 feet. The mountains greatly contribute to the geographical features of Chile’s territory. Chile’s geography and climate is divided into four drastically different regions. To the North is the dry desserts, Central Chile is the fertile land, the South is forests and lakes, and the far South is the Archipelagoes, fjords, and channels (Country Reports “Geography”). The “Norte Grande” in Northern Chile is one of the earth’s driest, most barren areas. Although it seems like wasted space, the Norte Grande contains rich copper and mineral deposits. The Archipelagoes and fjords are a mix of lakes, hot springs, and snowy mountains while the far south is home to the dry steppes and sheep herding. Because of the far range of climates and terrain, most Chilean people live in the central valley region. The Central Valley begins at the Head of the Aconcagua River and ends at the Bio-Bio River (Country Reports “Geography”). In Chile’s territory includes several pacific islands including Easter Island, 2300 miles west of Chile. The Central Valley’s fertile land and their mild climate allow for the growth of many agricultural products.
During Chile’s summer months (December to March), the temperature remains in the high 80’s low 90’s. In the winters (June to September), the temperature drops 50’s and 60’s and is cold and foggy. Chile receives an average rainfall of 100 inches, however in the drier areas, they only receive 20 inches (Country Reports “Climate and Weather”). Because of Chile’s location, natural landforms, and weather there are several different natural hazards that can occur. Chile is usually on the watch for severe earthquakes, active volcanoes, and tsunamis.
Government and Economy:
Chile’s full name is the Republic of Chile. The president of their country is both their head of state and head of government (Country Reports “Government”). Michelle Bachelet Jeria has been president of Chile since March 11, 2006. For their administrative division, they consist of thirteen regions. Their national congress, which is their senate consists of 38 seats chosen by popular vote. In their judicial branch, the head of the Supreme court is elected every three years. Chile is active in many international organizations, some including: Interpol, UN, ICC, WCO, PCA, and over thirty more (Country Reports “Government”) Their diplomatic representative in the US is Andres Bianchi Chancery and the diplomatic representative from the US is Craig A. Kelly.
Chile is the world’s leading exporter of grapes and plums and the second for avocados (Country Reports “Economy”). Chile exports $66, 430,000,000 (USD) in copper, fish, fruits, paper/pulp, chemicals, and wine. Although this seems like an astronomical amount of money, it is actually quite small in comparison to Germany who exports 1,161,000 million dollars worth of products. Their top export partners are: US (19.1%), Japan (10.5%), China (6.7%), Mexico (5%), Italy (4.7%), and the UK (4.4 %) (Country Reports “Exports”). Chile imports a total of 44,180 million which consists of consumer goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, fuels, electrical machinery, industrial machinery and food. Their import partners include, Argentina, the US, Brazil, China, and Germany (Country Reports “Imports").
The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso. One US dollar is equal to 454.75 pesos (Country Reports “Currency”). The pesos come in two different forms, coins or bank notes. Although the coins are much rarer, the denominations are 1,5, 10, 50, and 100. In bank notes the denominations are 500, 1000, and 10,000. Because the one peso, is such a small amount of money, there is no need for decimal signs.
Entertainment:
Sports, Hobbies, and Past Times:
The people of Chile have many forms of entertainment. The most popular sport in Chile is "fútbol", or more commonly known as soccer in the United States. Some go as far as to say soccer is Chile’s national sport. The major events involving soccer usually attract around 80,000 people to the Santiago National Stadium (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). Everyone has their favorite teams but the most popular in Chile are the Colo Colo, Universidad Católica, and Universidad de Chile (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
Another famous Chilean game is, Rayuela. This game is popular among all citizens but more so the men. This sport involves throwing heavy metal disks called, tejos (Chile – Sport and Recreation, Kids Games). The object of the game is to throw the tejos toward a string stretched across a damp ground and try to have the tejo land on the string. In order for little children to play, the game is adapted so the children toss coins instead of the heavy, metal tejos (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
A traditional Indian game, Chueca, is also popular among Chileans. Chueca means “curved stick” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). The set up of the game is a hole to mark the middle of the field and two goal lines are drawn on either side of the field. To begin the game, everyone starts at the hole. Then, using the curved stick, the object is to knock a rubber ball into the hole. The first person to succeed then attempts to drag the ball across the opposing team’s goal line in order to score a point (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). Chueca was invented by the Indians, native to Chile, long before the Spanish arrived.
There are other ways to occupy one’s time in Chile other than soccer. Many Chileans enjoy flying kites. This tradition began in the 18th century when the Catholic monks began to fly kites (Chile - Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). In modern times, flying kites has become a favorite past time for most Chileans. Every weekend, families spend the days in the parks flying hand-made kites. Kites have even been recognized in Chilean literature as a national treasure (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
A common past time is to attend the Chilean rodeo, La Fiesta Huasa. The rodeo competitions usually take place in arenas called “media lunas” (half moons) where traveling rodeo teams meet. The attire of the Huasos, or Chilean cowboys, is very vibrant. They usually dress in “colorful ponchos, fringed leggings, flat-topped hats, high-heeled boots and large spurs” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games). The object of the event is for “a two-man team to control a steer by making it stop in a certain place without using a lasso” (Chile – Sports and Recreation, Kids Games).
Chileans are quite active as most of them are involved in some sort or team or club. Some other sports that people take part in are: tennis, fishing, golf, polo, volleyball, rugby, basketball, skiing, water-skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
The Arts:
Art:
Performing arts has also become an essential part of the country’s urban scenario. Contemporary art or Chile is represented in a quite diverse and spontaneous way with famous sculptors such as “Robert Matta Echaurren… who had earned wide recognition” (Chile Art). Painting is also another great accomplishment in the arts. “During dictatorial reign Chile art market flourished at a great pace” (Chile Art). Today, there are many new art galleries attracting people from all over the world to view and purchase the unique and exquisite contemporary art. Art act as a “mirror that is preserving the cultural memory of the country” (Chile Art).
Theater and Film:
Chilean theater has vast array of genres that suits any taste with the rich tradition and historical performances. There are many theaters that are not only historical and legendary but also allow people from all over the world the chance to view historical and legendary performances. Teatro Nacional, Teatro Municipal, Universidad Católica, Matucana 100 Cultural Factory, San Ginés and Galpón 7 are only some of the most famous theaters in Chile (Chile Theater). Chilean theater also offers live concerts of bands, opera, folk, jazz, and classical shows to anyone who wishes to attend. During the regime of the totalitarian government, Chilean theater suffered a setback. Theaters were shut down by the government and the artistic life was ceased by force (Chile Theater). Once the Democratic government was restored, theater made a come-back. The industry boomed with new theaters and groups rising to popularity. New genres and experimental works began to thrive in the new artistic world (Chile Theater). For theater fanatics, the summer is the best time to visit Chile. During this time, come of the greatest performances can be enjoyed in the theater festivals.
The Chilean film industry is also rapidly developing. Chile has always had great potential to produce films that captivate the world and are recently breaking into the greatness. With the help of the government and the Art and Audiovisual Industry Council (AAIC), the film industry is thriving with plenty of financial aid and success. Currently, the Chile is producing more then twelve feature films a year. The AAIC is proud of this accomplishment but has also set the goal of more then fourteen feature films produced a year (Chile Film).
“Chile has been selected in the second publication of the Cannes Film Festival's World Cinema section” (Chile Film). Mi Mejor Enemigo, Parentesis, and El Bano are three highly acclaimed films produced in Chile. The film, Julio comienza en Julio, was selected as the best Chilean film of the century. Few Chilean documentary films have won recognition but more films are being focused on social and political issues. With such a change, “the Chilean audience has also become open to new ideas and hence they have accepted the movies produced for the new generation” (Chile Film). Now, Chilean films are being viewed and appreciated worldwide.
Like any other country, many famous actors have come from Chile. Jorge García, from the popular TV show Lost on the CW was born in Nebraska to a Chilean father and Cuban mother. He is now a famous Latin-American comedin and actor (Jorge García). Other famous actors from Chile are: Horatio Sanz (SNL), Leonor Varela (Blade II, Cleopatra), Santiago Cabrera (Heros), and Cote de Pablo (NCIS) (List of Chileans).
Music:
During the time of political struggle, nueva canción, or “new song movement” emerged from Argentina and especially in Chile. The roots of this “new song movement” are connected to artists like Violet Parra. Nueva canción became associated with “political activism and reformers like Chilean socialist Salvador Allende and his Popular Unity government” (Chile).
Food and Cuisine Customs
Food Customs:
Eating in Chile is just as social as nutritional. Lingering lunches and afternoon teas with friends are almsot mandatory. Dinners are for families to spend good quality time together, so the perfect time to eat in a lively restuarant, is lunchtime. Table manners are pretty much the same as those in Europe and North America. "Chileans always leave at least a 10% tip which is expected. Also, before they start to eat, they always say bon appetit and when they drink, they say good health" (Chile and Easter Island).
There are many common festivals and traditions, such as births, weddings, funerals, etc., where food is served grandly. Every festival involving art and music have a wide variety of chile's cuisine is served to their guests. In Chile, the wedding ceremonies are AMAZING! The cuisine is very traditional, but still has a few unique dishes. When a child is born, all the family members get together and serve their guests traditional and authenticl food. During Independence Day (September 18), the Chileans eat a variety of authentic food. Chileans normally eat empanadas as a snack or the first course of a large meal. The classic second dish is pastel de choclo (white corn and beef casserole topped with sugar). "Another popular meal on Independence Day are large parrilladas (barbecues) that are all across the country. Wine and pisco (grape brandy) are also important at the celebrations. Eating traditional and authentic food is custom at celebrations, but they're also enjoyed greatly by the Chileans" (Countryreports.com). "Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the Piestas Patrias are some of the largest celebrations. In northern Chile, carnival celebrations fill stomachs juust before the fasting of Lent. On New Year's Eve, some Chileans eat a spoonful of lentils (flat seeds) for good luck" (Chile)
Typical Meals and Meal Times:
"In Chile, breakfast is most often between 7 and 9 a.m. The normal breakfast consists of toast and instant coffee or tea, never cereal. Lunch is usually served between 1-130 p.m. and goes on till about 3 p.m. It’s the largest meal of the day and has many different courses. The first course is usually soup or empanadas, with a main course of seafood, a meat stew, or chicken. Vegetables and or potatoes are normally a side dish and ice cream and fruit are for dessert. Between 5 or 6 p.m., Chileans have tea-time like the Europeans. Chileans talk freely with each other at tables and are very polite to each other; the hostess is always complimented on the meal they have" (Chile). Manners are very important during tea-time also.
Popular Foods and Drinks:
Chileans eat seafood rather than meat because of the location of Chile, which is close to the sea, and the lack of land for cattle. Fresh fish is not expensive so they eat it almost daily. The Humboldt Current provides Chile with some of the world's strangest and greatest fish. Chilean cuisine has large Indian and European influences. Porotos Granados, the national dish, has corn, squash, and beans that show the Indian influence along with the Spanish contributions like the onion and garlic. Other popular foods have a lot in common iwht South American or Mexican dishes. But with any dish, the Chileans drink excellent wine that's grown in their own vineyards in the Central Valley.
"Some Chilean favorites are locos (abalone), machas (razor clams), erizos (sea urchins), cholgas (mussles), langostinos (rock lobsters), cama
Important/Famous Restaurants:
There are many different options for eating out in Chile, but a lot of the real treats are located in Bellavista, Lastarria, and Providencia. "In Lastarria, the "asi-asi" restaurants are Emporio La Rosa, Pergola de la Plaza, and Les Assassins. Emporio La Rosa is a small cafe which has great bread, olive oils, pastries, and delicious coffee. Pergola de la Plaza is more of a seafood and meat place with a beautifu patio perfect for watching a sunset. Le Assassins is more of an intimate, French restaurant that has fair-priced meals. A top end restaurant in Lastarria is Don Victorino, a very hip and modern restaurant that's filled with vivid artwork and has culinary specialities from all over South America. "Asi-asi" restaurants in Providencia include El Huerto, a vegetarian cafe, and La Pizza Nostra, a small pizzeria. Top notch restuarants include Astrid y Gaston and El Giratorio; both are adored by people for their interesting cuisine and special plating" (Chile and Easter Island). A famous seafood restaurant in Santiago, Chile, is Aqui Esta Coco which is always filled with tourists and celebrities from all around the world. Other restaurants include Ariki O Te Pana, which specalizes in shellfish and fish, oriental and naturist food, and meat. Restaurant Kona Koa is famous for showing the European influence, especially French, in their cuisine. "Taha Tai is more of a Japanese cuisine, which is very rare in Chile, and so it's very famous for it. Almost all restaurants include fish and international cooking" (Wikipedia.com).
History:
Spanish Conquerings and Important Events
Chile is a country that has been through various Spanish conquerings and fights for independence, which has left them with a very rich and powerful history. Before the age of exploration, Chile was inhabited by many different Indian societies, who pretty much kept to themselves. The largest Indian society was the Mapuche society which had nearly one million members (Monteneon). No one really knew about Chile, until 1520, when Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, became the first European to sight Chile. Although Magellan is said to have “discovered” Chile, he never actually stopped in the country. He glanced at the shoreline as he passed by because he was on a desperate expedition to find the Spice Islands. Even though Magellan didn’t witness Chile’s amazing culture and landscape, he did inform the Spanish monarchy of what he had seen of it. Magellan’s interest in Chile led to later explorations (Perrotlet 32).
Nearly twenty years later, a new explorer, Pedro de Valdivia, showed his interest in exploring South America, and asked the Spanish King to grant him permission to set up an expedition. In 1540, Valdivia set sail to South America and landed in Peru, where Spain already had a large settlement that was called the viceroyalty (Chile later became a part of the viceroyalty). After gathering an army and supplies, Valdivia set off to find the land that Magellan had once described. On February 12, 1541 Valdivia founded central Chile, which he named Santiago, and immediately fell in love with the breathtaking scenery (Winter 19). He quickly established a settlement, in which he forced the native Indians to work as slaves for the Spanish. Valdivia also helped the Roman Catholic Church send missionaries to Chile to convert the Indians to Christianity. The native people did not appreciate the Spanish conquistadors coming into their home land and destroying everything that they had built. The conquistadors treated the natives very badly, and this built up rage ultimately led to the Indian revolts. One tribe in particular, had a major problem with the Spanish, and they became the leaders of the revolts. Just six months after Pedro de Valdivia had founded Santiago; the Mapuche tribe destroyed the entire city, but failed to kill their true target, Valdivia (Perrotlet 30). The Spaniards quickly rebuilt Santiago, however the Mapuches would not go down without a fight. In 1553, the Mapuche tribe led another revolt that resulted in the killing of Pedro de Valdivia and many of his soldiers. After Valvidia died, three of his soldiers, who happened to be rivals, fought to succeed his rule as governor. Unfortunately for them, the settlement in Peru had a different idea, and sent some of their own men to govern Chile. Peru had sent Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza in 1557 to reestablish Chile, and take over as govern (Winter 22). During his rule, Hurtado founded two new cities which he named Osorno and Canete, after his parents. Hurtado ruled until 1561 and he ended the period of conquest.
For about the next three hundred years, Chile fought wars with Spain, France, and England but was never able to gain their independence. After what seemed like a lifetime of pointless battles, on August 20, 1820, Chile defeated the Spanish and finally gained their independence (Winter 21).Once the Chileans had gained independence, they had to replace two and a half centuries of rule with a new form of government. The Chileans went through eleven changes of government over the next 13 years. During the 1800’s Chile only fought civil wars within their own country, but were luckily not harmed by any Europeans (Monteon).
Once the 1900’s came, the Chilean government started to get a little uneasy. They didn’t have a strong government, so a dictatorship occurred in 1927 and lasted until 1931(Monteon). The Chilean government overthrew the dictatorship and brought Chile back to a democracy. About forty years later, in 1973, military leaders overthrew the civilian government and set up their own dictatorship (Perrotlet 33). After a grueling seventeen years, Chile was about to stabilize their government and formed back in to a democracy. For the past eighteen years, the Chilean government has ruled in a very fair and proud way.
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